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Mr Putin and Mr Berlusconi focused on the situation in Iraq and prospects for expanding Russia-EU relations.

President Putin expressed hope that positive changes would take place in Russia-EU relations during Italy’s presidency of the EU.

Replying to journalists’ questions after the talks, the President noted that the Iraqi crisis should be settled through the UN. The inspectors’ position was of key importance, Mr Putin stressed.

The decision must be taken by professionals and submitted to the UN Security Council for it to decide what to do next, President Putin said. At the same time, the Security Council may need to adopt a new resolution if the inspectors are dissatisfied with their working conditions in Iraq.

Mr Putin agreed with Mr Berlusconi that Iraq should bear a considerable load of responsibility [for the crisis] and expressed hope that the Iraqi problem would be settled by peaceful means. The use of force is a last resort, the President added.

President Putin said that Prime Minister Berlusconi invited him to visit Italy. The visit is scheduled for autumn 2003.